Who are you?

Am I the only one shocked by what Elon Musk asked of his employees last week?

No, I'm not talking about wanting to have everyone back in the office.

I'm talking about asking his people to spend a minimum of 40 hours per week in the office.

Shouldn't 40 hours be the maximum?

Seriously, has anyone else noticed that?

Working longer hours does not necessarily lead to better output. In fact, research has shown that productivity and health decline when people work more than 50 hours per week.

In his book The Untethered Soul, Michael Singer writes, "Life itself is your career, and your interaction with life is your most meaningful relationship."

Is this the case for you?

Here is a simple question I've been asking my clients: "Who are you?"

By which I mean: "What constitutes your personality and the essence of who you are?" (And you cannot mention anything related to your work.)

Could you even answer such a question? Or have you become one of those "accomplished, successful people" who have become their work and lost their identity to their career?

Have you ever been so consumed by your work that everything around you becomes just background noise? Have you ever become so lost in your task that the world shrinks into a shapeless, foggy backdrop, dull and without texture?

If I had to ask you this question again, instead of "Who are you?" I would ask, "Where are you? Can you clearly see yourself in the light, or are you lost somewhere in the fog?"

In my book, I offer examples and solutions to this dilemma, but today I want to leave you with a diagram that you and your logical mind can use to reflect on where you stand.

Maybe the true you has slowly faded into the background, obscured by the fog of anxiety and societal expectations.

While it's easy to blame the universe or your boss, I believe that if you spend time honestly reevaluating your priorities, you'll realize that ultimately the choice is up to you.

You have the skills to succeed in business; this much is clear. So why not apply those same skills to your personal and emotional life? Why not speak up for yourself and others?

You have to prioritize your own identity and essence over others' perceptions and projections.

If you don't, you might look back someday and ask yourself, was it all worth it?

Your work does not define you. After all, only you define who you are. Just start believing this is true.

Finally, Mr. Elon Musk, I coach people like you all the time. Brilliant minds who have lost touch with the people side of their work and need to reconnect with heart and empathy.

I'd be happy to take you on as a client but know that, just like you, I have a list of minimum requirements you need to meet.

If you don't meet them, we're a no-go!

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Looking for more tips to lead with heart and empathy? My new book, You've Got Algorithm, but Can You Dance? is available now on Amazon.

Please reach out to me to receive a series of diagrams that you can apply in your life and career.